Jaunted

The announcement has already had an impact on business in NYC. A wardrobe provider, Tommy Boyer, told Crains he has already seen a drop in business. “We're down at least 50%,” Mr Boyers said, “We've weathered 9/11, the writers' strike, the Broadway strike. It's one thing after another, but I never expected this.”

Now there is confirmation that at least one show, "Fringe", will not be returning to New York City next season. The show’s pilot was filmed near Toronto but NYC’s tax incentives lured the production to New York where it is filmed today. It was announced over the weekend that if Fox renews the show for a second season, "Fringe" will move to Vancouver, where the filming costs are significantly lower.

Its not just NYC’s film industry that will be affected by the change, the city’s tourism industry will feel the impact as well. The number of set-jetters, or people who travel to movie/TV locations, is growing, so fewer productions in NYC means fewer tourists too.

Tamsyn H, an Australian native, was inspired to travel to New York City after seeing the CW hit, “Gossip Girl”. “After watching the first season of “Gossip Girl” I really wanted to go to NY [where the show is filmed]”, Tamsyn explained, “I came all the way from Australia and my vacation plans were complete when I had a great opportunity to meet Blake Lively [on the set] of “Gossip Girl.” Travelers like Tamsyn may not be so anxious to see the Big Apple if their favorite shows aren’t filming there.

If you want to help keep other productions, like “Gossip Girl”, “Law and Order” and “Ugly Betty” filming in New York City, you can sign this petition addressed to Governor Paterson asking him to renew the film and TV tax incentives fund.

Related Stories:
· Where to Find Joshua Jackson on the Set of Fringe [Jaunted]
· Fringe Moves Production to Canada [EW]
· Cut! Less filming hurts biz [Crain's]

[Photo: Josh-Jackson.net]